Yet Another identify this sword

[tony123]

I've got my eyes on the following sword ... real or fake

 

This Is a Japenese Sword Maezashi or Wakizashi in Mountings Tje Blade is Signed 'Iwami no Kami Kunisuke Shinogi Zukuri Shape Edo Period ca 1680 era made blade The Blade is in Old Polish It has a Sharp Ege With no Rust Or Stains In very good condition. The Temper LIne Is Attactive Gunome With nie (chrystal) active Temper Throughout the blade and has a deep temper at the point The Foriging itame hada no foriging flaws at all The Scabbard is urushi lacquered Shows minor laquer loss. The Handle is tight fit with Gold inlay iron fuchi/kashira in to Wrapping shows aged wear .The tsuba is marugata shape iron tsuba with nice patina . It measures 14.5"cutting edge 1" width 5mm thickness at the notch ,And 21.5 in mountings

 

http://imageshack.us/g/1/10375275/

 

tony

[cabowen]

Looks fake to me....as in fake signature. Have never seen any generation of Kunisuke with this kind of hamon.

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Two generations have signed that way, a larger/clearer picture of the nakago/mei could be helpful.

[Mark]

katana looks fake, the wakizashi looks real but low end and maybe put together

[tony123]

I've cleaned up the photo album ... only pics of the Wakizashi are there now ....

 

I'll try to get clearer pic of the mei

 

tony

[Dr Fox]

Tony

Be absolutely honest with me! The blade description you have given in your opening post, do you understand exactly, what is being said in respect of this sword? If you are only repeating what you have read, then you have no chance of validating these claims. Be wise; listen to what is being said.

Denis.

 

PS. Please don't say you have your eye on a sword 'real or fake' It does not give the impression you are serious.

[J Reid]

Not important input.. but.. the description is written like ebay seller "showa22" usually does his write ups..

[tony123]

Hi guys,

 

The seller has sent me a clearer picture of the mei.

 

How old is the sword ?

 

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/9/mu8q.jpg/

[kusunokimasahige]

Tony, not to be rude, but I get the feeling that you would like the forum members to do all the work for you.

 

Now while that is no problem in general, you should also be willing to do some study work yourself and read some books

about the subject of the Japanese sword. In the top region of the screen you can find a lot of information yourself, and you could also start studying the subject through these pages :

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm

 

That has one major benefit. You learn a lot before you buy and potentially lose money on an item which basically sucks.

 

It does not satisfy the "need" to quickly own a sword, but it helps you see quality before you put your hard earned money in it.

 

 

KM

[tony123]

kusunokimasahige

 

I only posted the new image because Jacques asked me to and I was being polite ...

 

In my culture, when I ask for help and someone replies I thank them and try to oblige.

 

Maybe in other cultures, like yours, rather than helping you take aim and shoot. You must be friends with Dr Fox.

 

I thank everyone for your help .....

[ROKUJURO]

.....How old is the sword....

Tony,

 

you can't tell the age of a sword by the signature. First you have to evaluate the signature. Does it confirm the overall appearence of the blade? Do all features comply with the usual details of this maker? When everything fits fine, then you may have the smith (or a very good GIMEI blade), and then you can look for the possible age.

 

And then again, what does age tell you? It has not much to do with quality and value. There are 'old' blades with little value and 'new' blades of high quality and value.

 

It seems you do not understand that we would like to help you by giving good advice. I am convinced that in the long range you will not enjoy a blade that you buy now in a rush, just hoping to grasp some nice quality. It is a bit like firing a bullet in the sky hoping to get an eagle's tail feather (Only Chuck Norris can do that - at night).

[kusunokimasahige]

Not at all Tony,

 

I am trying to prevent you from making the mistake of buying something which should not be bought without at least some knowledge in advance. That is all.

 

We have had people on this forum before who wanted to quickly assert something without actually studying the subject.

Their posts consists of the following characteristics : Not many posts, only questions, no actual attempt or willingness to learn.

 

So Please bear with me, I am not taking a shot at you without reason. It is great you posted the image of the nakago and mei and I am convinced that a member will help you with the translation of the signature and the probable age of the sword you would like to buy. It has nothing to do with my culture (Dutch) or yours being different.

 

KM

[Jean]

Tony,

 

What I suggest is that you give us your budget, your preference, long/medium/short sword, the age and then we will try to give you a few choices in swords.

 

But forget the buying/greedy attitude of buying the best at the cheapest price because you have no relationship in this field and you will end the s.... Low price on ebay=crap.

 

Remember, except very seldom occasions and in this field being a green horn you won't have any, you get what you pay for.

[tony123]

Thanks guys for your help.

 

I will continue doing reading and study...

 

I'm not sure what will satisfy me .... a cheapish or an expensive blade ... or an very nice holiday

 

until next time ... keep living the dream

 

tony

[tony123]

Nearly forgot , the seller was from Queensland Australia ...

 

tony